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Hello, class. We have another “official” grading session. And, coincidentally enough, it’s another foundation. Today, it is the much anticipated Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation.

I sought out this particular foundation because I heard it was fantastically matte and full coverage. I purchased it from Sephora.

Please head to the rubric overview if you need a refresher on how we grade product in this class.

Product Claims (via Sephora):

What it is:
An oil-free, full-coverage, waterproof foundation with a matte finish that lasts all night.

What it does:
All Nighter Liquid Foundation offers full coverage with a modern matte finish that never looks overdone. Get foundation wear that lasts all night and a flawless-looking complexion with this foundation. Perfect for a night on the town, this innovative formula is also comfortable enough to wear every day.

While Naked Skin complexion products are demi-matte, All Nighter Liquid Foundation is completely matte. Urban Decay loaded this formula with an insane amount of pigment (about three times as much as Naked Skin Liquid Makeup), so a little goes a long way. There’s no need to build coverage or apply multiple layers. It diffuses light to blur flaws for beautifully perfected skin as it mattifies and absorbs oil to reduce the appearance of shine. With a wide range of meticulously calibrated shades that match UD’s existing Naked Skin Liquid Makeup shades, it’s easy to find your perfect match.

official Grading:

Ease of Application: 2/5

I attempted to apply this foundation both with my trusty foundation brush and a beauty blender. What I found with both methods is that the foundation does not spread easily, leaving very obvious bare patches on the face (because of the color… more on that later). The areas I was able to cover well were frequently cakey or flakey.

Formula: 2/5

Yes, the Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation is completely matte, as the advertisements suggest. It also blurs existing flaws. However, it creates its own flaws! I tried this over multiple (an no) primers and each time I experienced at least one of the following: flaking, patchiness, cakiness, pilling, formula not setting, and the feeling of a heavy foundation on my face. Maybe this works for really oily skin. If you have oily skin and use this, please weigh in!

If you look closely, you can see that the foundation was pilling as I applied it and showed a rough texture in general.

Color: 3/5

If I can’t find a color match in a foundation line, it’s usually indicative of an overall color problem. For some reason there is no “fair neutral” shade, so I used Color 1- “fair bisque with soft warm undertone.” Since the color was significantly more yellow than my skin, the fact that I could not get this to blend into my face became extremely noticeable. It’s pigmented, I’ll give them that. However, the fact that the first neutral undertone doesn’t occur until Shade 3.25 is an issue. Additionally, there are many reports of oxidation (which I did experience in a very small amount) on Instagram.

Packaging: 5/5

I love the packaging of the Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation. Love. That’s what makes the rest of this review so difficult for me. The pump applicator works smoothly and the metal details are so badass.

Overall grade: 12/20 – C+

The Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation receives a grade of C+. The redeeming qualities of this product include matte-ness, pigmentation and packaging. These might outweigh the negatives for those with very oily skin. I, however, returned this product to Sephora because I never want to use it again.

Urban Decay products that I do love:

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Today, class, we are doing an official grading session of the Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation (well, that’s a mouthful!) In case you forgot, we grade using our official rubric.

First, a little background. I purchased this product in my quest to find a medium coverage, natural-looking base. I have heard very little about the Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation, but I know that this company tends to deliver quality products.

Now, the grading!

Product Claims (via Sephora):

What it is:
A sheer-to-medium, buildable coverage foundation that creates a soft, candlelit glow on skin—day or night.

What it does:
Laura Mercier always dreamed of inventing a foundation that recreated the atmosphere of a candlelit room. Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation is a mosaic of nature’s most luminous natural ingredients that gives skin a glowing look anytime day or night. A calibrated blend of radiant-pearl mica, embedded in an ultra-lightweight formula, mimics the reflective radiance of just lit candles. The mica mélange fuses with refreshing purified water that leaves skin with a burst of hydration and helps foundation glide onto skin for lasting smoothness and natural luminosity. Available in 24 shades, this foundation’s luxurious blend of lightweight oils locks in this moisture to leave skin balanced, soft and beautifully ignited.

Official Grading

Ease of Application: 5/5

I found this foundation incredibly easy to apply. It has a thin consistency, which lends itself to being buffed out by a brush (I used the IT Cosmetics #110), however it is not so thin that it gets sucked up by a Beauty Blender. Both application methods work well with the Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation. The foundation blends easily and does not ever appear streaky or cakey.

Formula: 3/5

As suggested by the product description, this is a sheer-to-medium coverage foundation. I find that it does leave the face looking soft and luminous, without appearing greasy. It is long-lasting, especially when set with a translucent powder. It does sink a bit into creases, specifically the one I have to the left of my mouth. This is my only qualm.

I think it is also important to note that my skin is neither oily nor dry at this point. When I asked for opinions on Instagram, @katelovesmakeup1 (of katelovesmakeup.com) and @avant_claire suggestes that this formula does not do well on oily skin. However, @art_theta, who probably has skin like mine, says she reaches for this foundation “almost everyday.”

Color: 5/5

I was able to find a decent color match for the Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation in the shade Shell. I have not found that the color oxidizes at all with time. The foundation is pigmented enough to be buildable to medium coverage

Packaging: 5/5

The frosted bottle has a mirrored cover that closes securely over the pump top. It is a heavy, glass product (so don’t drop it on a hard floor…) that feels luxurious. The top is prone to acquiring fingerprints, but it is easily cleaned. The pump expels enough product to cover the face in one application.

Overall: 18/20

The Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation gets an A!

I highly recommend this foundation for those with normal to dry skin looking for a light to medium coverage base with a natural finish. Have you tried it?

More Laura Mercier:

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Hello, class! Today we are going to be grading a new-ish product, the Lancome Juicy Shaker, specifically in the shade “Apri-Cute.” Now, I should mention that right now, Sephora has this shade listed as “mouth watering Apricot” for some reason, rather than its official Lancome name. Either way, same shade, same grade.

As always, we will use the handy-dandy grading rubric to determine our review. Additionally, some links here are affiliate links, which means I make like a fraction of a cent if you click on it. If that’s not cool with you, feel free to search the product names on the internet yourself!

Product Description

First, let’s talk about what the Lancome Juicy Shaker supposedly is and does. According to Lancome’s page about this product:

Shake it up with the latest innovation: Juicy Shaker’s bi-phase technology delivers the first pigmented lip oil with 2 distinct phases. The first phase is a transparent oil phase for a comfortable non-sticky shine. The second is the pigment phase for a shot of color. Shake Juicy Shaker like a cocktail shaker to mix the pigments and oil. The cushion applicator enhances application by delivering the perfect ‘shot’ of addictive non-sticky shine and a sheer tint of color to your lips that is simply irresistible.

The cocktail blend of 4 nourishing oils treats your lips like a lip balm. Peach kernel oil; a well-known emollient softens lips while Sweet Almond oil conditions and Cranberry oil provides rich anti-oxidant properties. Muscat Rose oil is rich in essential fatty acids and helps to soothe lips. So addictive, you won’t be able to resist applying it over and over.

Grading

Ease of Application: 5/5
Shake it up, untwist the top, and smother your lips in the oil. It’d be really hard to screw this one up…

Formula: 3/5
The product description promises a “non-sticky” shine. Non-sticky, sure, but the shine lasts about 5 minutes. And as for “so addictive, you won’t be able to resist applying it over and over”… well, perhaps that has something to do with the fact that you need to keep reapplying it if you want it to look like there’s anything on your lips at all. The formula is somewhat hydrating, but no more so than a standard lip oil. I should also not that this product does have a fragrance – mine is somewhat citrusy- so if that bothers you, beware.

Color: 3/5
Pigmented? Nope. Not one bit. Now I can only speak for the Apri-Cute shade. It’s possible that the darker berries and reds show up more. But I was definitely expecting more from a product that appeared so bright in the package. Overall it is still a beautiful, wearable color, just a little disappointing in terms of pigmentation.

Packaging: 4/5
The whole “shaker” idea is an adorable concept. However, there’s something weird feeling about having such a big spongy applicator. I also feel a little bit silly applying it in public because it is such an unusual applicator.

Overall, the Lancome Juicy Shaker in Apri-Cute receives a grade of B!

I have seen many positive reviews of the Lancome Juicy Shaker, so I am especially interested to hear your thoughts if you’ve tried it. Please leave them below!

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Let’s talk about what the Valentia Skin Detoxifying Clay mask is. According to Valentia, the key ingredients in this mask are:

– Kaolin Clay: Clay minerals draw impurities, improve skin tone, and tighten pores for smoother firmer skin.

– Plant Stem Cells: Naturally decreases the level of pro-aging toxins and works to soother the skin, reduce redness, and improve evenness.

– Spirulina: A botanical stimulant full of vitamins that hydrates the skins surface and contributes to tissue regeneration of the skin.

– CoQ10: Lessens the appearance of wrinkles by reducing free radical damage and stimulating health collagen production.

– Hibiscus & Cranberry Fibers: Both lend their anti-aging properties to firm and reinforce the skin, helping to reduce the creation of new wrinkles.

As directed, I applied the mask “generously” to my clean face and went about my business for 20 minutes. After rinsing with warm water and a cloth, my skin felt refreshed and clean but not at all dry or tight. I used the Valentia Skin Detoxifying Clay mask four times (yes, I know that’s higher than the recommended frequency!) over the course of one week, and I found that over time my skin appeared brighter and my pores less noticeable. I also felt that it diminished those pesky blackheads on my chin.

Overall, I absolutely love this mask and would consider purchasing it. The Valentia Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask gets a gold star! I can see myself going back to this mask every time I have a bad skin day.

By the way, you can find the Valentia Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask on Amazon! Be sure to check out Valentia’s Instagram and Facebook to see what they’re all about!

And guess what…. should you be interested in purchasing the Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask, Valentia has provided the following code – 2WOV76GO – which will give my readers 20% off any Valentia product for the next month. So shop away! (And if you do get something – tell me, so I know if I need it, too!)

UPDATE: Valentia has notified me that from May 16th – June 1st, they are offering you a 35% discount on their ENTIRE line at Valentia.com. So if you need a skincare product that is Vegan and cruelty-free, be sure to check them out. Your code is: REFRESH35

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Let’s get started!

The OCC Tint is described as “A highly-pigmented, tinted moisturizer that evens skintone with buildable coverage” and  “Featuring a unique moisturizing complex made from purified water, coconut, and wild berry extracts, this foundation product nourishes as well as hydrates skin. Formulated from the finest vegan ingredients available, this product is also formulated with aloe leaf extract and vitamin E for coverage that feels as good as it looks. ” 

Ease of Application: 5/5

I have applied this many ways- fingers, beauty blender, brush – and have found that this foundation is very easy to blend. Part of it may be that it is such a thin formula.
Below shows a before and after of a tiny dot of the foundation blended into my hand.

Formula: 4/5

As I said, this is a very thin, liquidy foundation. It is most definitely a tint rather than a foundation. However, this is not my issue with it as it is called a “tinted moisturizer.” My only really problem is that it will emphasize dry patches if you have any that you have not first smoothed over with moisturizer and then primer. I feel like a tinted moisturizer should be, in fact, moisturizing. Luckily, this product stays put all day when set with a little powder.

Color: 4/5

I purchased this in the shade “Y0” which is for the “palest yellow-based skintone.” Sephora sells 10 shades while the OCC website lists 12 shades – R (red based) 0-5 and Y (yellow-based) 0-5. The shade I purchased blends into my skin seamlessly. I would imagine, though, that some people might need to blend 2 or more shades.
I do not find this “highly-pigmented” as promised in the description. I would say “moderately pigmented.” So, minus 1 point.

Packaging: 5/5

This comes in a cute little bottle that you need to turn over and squeeze lightly. I imagine that it may be hard to get product out towards the end, but I won’t fault them for that right now.

Overall Grade: OCC Tint receives an A

I recommend this tinted moisturizer if you are looking for a sheer coverage foundation that you can apply without much time or energy. It is good for “no-makeup makeup” days as well and it great for not weighing down the skin. Beware if you have dry skin – you will need to prep your face OR look elsewhere for a more moisturizing product.

originally posted 3/3/15

Shop this teacher’s favorites:

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Ease of Application: 5/5
All three of the shades come in a tube with a doe foot applicator. I like to dot the products on my face and then blend with fingers, sponge or brush. Amazingly for a liquid product, I even find this easy to use to contour the nose area. I have nothing bad to say about the application.

Formula: 5/5
These shades all blend superbly with each other and other makeup. The bronze shade, which I use for contouring, manages to blend out while still maintaining some color on the initial application area, making it a really easy product to use. All three tubes have the consistency of a liquid concealer – not runny but not thick.

Color: 5/5
This is a tricky situation because all of these colors are perfect for me, which means they will not be perfect for a lot of people. I do think you could be somewhat lighter or darker and still find a way to work with these three shades. I would love to see Dr. Jart+ come out with sets for other skin tones. [Edit: an Instgram friend has informed me that Dr. Jart+ has indicated they are making a set for darker skin tones!]

Packaging: 3/5
The little booklet that these tubes come in is cute, but is also excessive. It is hard to get the tubes in and out of their little nooks. I plan on throwing the box away as soon as this post is published. Additionally, I am concerned that for the price, these tubes are a bit small. I am worried about running out of product.

The Dr. Jart+ BB Mate Contouring 1.2.3. Kit receives an A!

I really like this product. The price may make some hesitate, but if you have money to spend and are fair skinned – go for it!

originally posted on 4/6/15

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These lipsticks are advertised as being bold, lasting 10 hours, and being comfortable to wear. Keep that in mind as we go on.

Spoiler alert: one of these is amazing and one of these is not amazing. Let’s get to it. (See the rubric if you need a grading procedure reminder.)

First up: Thin Lizzy

Ease of Application: 5/5
This lipstick applies smoothly and without tugging, which is impressive given its glitter content. It has a standard lipstick shape which allows for easy and quick application.

Formula: 5/5
Long-lasting? Yes. Comfortable? Yes. We are talking about a lipstick that applies and remains semi-matte without being drying. I drank a whole iced coffee without this coming off enough to notice. It does not emphasize dry spots or bleed at the lip line.

Color: 5/5
Holy mother of lipsticks this is gorgeous. Thin Lizzy is described as a

Thin Lizzy

“sparkling brick copper.” It is red without being red and dark without being vampy. I am comfortable wearing this day and night. There is noticable shimmer but it is not distracting. It simply adds an interesting dimension to the lips. I believe this would work on most skin tones.

Packaging: 5/5
The Studded Kiss packaging is the reason I purchased it in the first place. It is literally a studded black tube. The cap goes on securely and carrying this makes me feel bad ass.

Thin Lizzy has earned an A+

Next up, Vampira

Ease of Application: 2/5
I’m sorry, but it shouldn’t be this hard to put on a lipstick. Not only does this tug, but it is nearly impossible to get a clean line or an even coverage.

Formula: 1/5
Yes, this is long-lasting. However, I do not want this on my lips long enough to prove it. It is drying and utterly uncomfortable. I feel dirty wearing it. I hope that doesn’t sound mean. Just being honest here. Furthermore, I cannot for the life of me get this to cover my lips completely. It is always crumbling at the inner lip and it just looks like I’ve worn it for hours from the get-go.

Vampira- after spending 5 minutes trying to make it cover evenly…

Color: 4/5
Vampira is described as “matte deep reddish burgundy.” That is true. However, it is only opaque in one swipe in some spots. Like I said, I cannot get this to apply evenly. Otherwise, it is a lovely, vampy color that would be perfect for fall and winter.

Packaging: 5/5
See “Thin Lizzy” above

Vampira earns a C+

Here is a comparison of the shades we discussed today:

Vampira, top, and Thin Lizzy, bottom

So you see, this Kat Von D line is extremely hit or miss. I urge you to really test out the shades before purchasing. (Fun fact: I purchased Thin Lizzy after Vampira… so I went back for more despite really not liking my first experience!)

Edit: since this originally posted I have acquired more of this line and greatly enjoy it. See here for the shade Wolvesmouth.

originally posted 11/24/14

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